Division of Coastal Management

What We Do

The Division of Coastal Management works to protect, conserve and manage North Carolina's coastal resources through an integrated program of planning, permitting, education and research. DCM carries out the state's Coastal Area Management Act, the Dredge and Fill Law and the federal Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 in the 20 coastal counties, using rules and policies of the N.C. Coastal Resources Commission, known as the CRC. The division serves as staff to the CRC.

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Beach & Waterfront Access

The Division of Coastal Management awards about $1 million a year in matching grants for projects to improve pedestrian access to the state's beaches and waterways. Funding for the Public Beach and Coastal Waterfront Access Program comes from the N.C. Parks and Recreation Trust Fund.

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About Coastal North Carolina

20Cama Counties in the State If your project is in one of the 20 CAMA counties, you may need to obtain a development permit.
12KMiles of Estuarine Shorelines These shallow sounds, rivers and creeks make up one of the largest estuarine systems in the United States.
320Miles of Beautiful Ocean Beaches With more than 400 public access locations, to help you get some sand between your toes.

Coastal Reserve Program

The mission of the N.C. Coastal Reserve & National Estuarine Research Reserve is "to promote informed management and stewardship of North Carolina’s estuarine and coastal habitats through research, education, and example."

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